Whiten Your Smile at Smile Fort Worth

If you are looking for a way to get whiter teeth, there is no better option than visiting a trusted Fort Worth cosmetic dentist.

There are many reasons why you might want to get your teeth whitened. It could be for a job interview or a special event like a wedding or graduation. Maybe you have yellowing teeth due to smoking or a coffee habit. Regardless of the reason, there are lots of reasons you should consider whitening your teeth through a cosmetic dentist instead of going the DIY route.

Today we’re explaining a few things you need to know about this procedure, including the potential risks and side effects, as well as how long it takes to achieve the whitest smile possible. Keep reading to learn more!

Why Do Teeth Get Stained Anyway?

All kinds of factors can contribute to having discolored teeth, including:

• Natural aging
• Smoking
• Certain medications
• Genetics
• Highly pigmented food and beverages like coffee or wine

It’s important to note that not all causes of yellowing or discoloration can be fixed through whitening procedures. When the cause of discoloration comes from the inside of the tooth — rather than from exterior stains — veneers can offer a more effective cosmetic result. (Your cosmetic dentist can do an examination to determine what type of discoloration your teeth have, to determine your candidacy for professional whitening.)

Although discolored teeth are not generally considered a dental health problem, they are certainly an unwanted cosmetic issue. Achieving a whiter smile helps many people feel more confident and beautiful — so it’s no surprise that the number one cosmetic procedure performed by dentists is teeth whitening.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening with a Fort Worth Cosmetic Dentist

The first reason you might want to have your teeth whitened by a Fort Worth cosmetic dentist is that it’s one of the least expensive cosmetic procedures you can undergo. Yet, it can produce some quickly apparent and very positive results.

If you choose to go the at-home route and use over-the-counter remedies, you might be able to achieve somewhat satisfactory results. Still, none of them will accomplish what your cosmetic dentist can do for you.

Here are just some of the reasons our patients choose cosmetic whitening:

• To prepare for special occasions – when you need to make a great first impression, you undoubtedly want to have your whitest and brightest smile on display. This is especially true on memorable occasions like weddings, class reunions, and job interviews. These will often include photographs that will serve as lasting memories of the event for years to come, and you want to look your best.
• To relieve stress – few things can boost your happiness as much as a dazzling white smile, and when you feel good about your smile, you’ll show it off even more. Studies show that serotonin, your brain’s natural stress relief hormone, is released when you smile. So smiling is a proven way to reduce stress and ease anxiety!
• Looking younger – having a beautiful white smile is often associated with good health and youthfulness. The natural aging process will generally trigger discoloration and staining on your teeth, and that may cause you to look older than you really are. It could also leave people with the impression that you are unhealthy, even if you take good care of your teeth. Teeth whitening can restore a youthful look to most people who undergo the procedure, making them look and feel much younger.

What are the Common Methods of Professional Teeth Whitening?

There are two methods of professional teeth whitening: in-office and take home. In-office is performed during an office visit with the dentist, while take home is a kit that the customer purchases to do at home.

Take-home whitening kits are great for busy people who want the convenience of the over-the-counter whitening strips, but the power of professional whitening solutions.

Professional in-office teeth whitening takes place in our dental office under the care of our staff. Below, we describe the process in a bit more detail.

What Can I Expect With an In-Office Whitening Treatment?

A Fort Worth cosmetic dentist at Smile Fort Worth uses a professional-grade whitening product that contains hydrogen peroxide. The formula is applied to the teeth and left on for an allotted amount of time before being rinsed off. The length of exposure depends on how much tooth discoloration you have and your personal preference to achieve desired results.

The more serious your stains are, the longer your cosmetic dentist may need to leave the whitening solution on for.

The process of getting your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist like our team at Smile Fort Worth typically takes between two and three hours in total. Depending on your unique smile, it could involve several visits to the dental office.

The first visit usually involves an exam to ensure there is no existing tooth decay and to determine if you’re a good candidate for professional whitening. Next, you’ll have photos taken of your teeth, impressions made, and a customized tray created that goes over your front four top incisors.

The second or third visits will likely involve the actual whitening procedure. A professional-grade whitener is painted onto teeth and left on for approximately 30-90 minutes before being removed. Sometimes, a special UV light is used to increase the effectiveness of the whitening solution.

In a single session with your Fort Worth cosmetic dentist, you can actually expect your teeth to become as much as eight shades whiter in less than 90 minutes. Of course, this will depend on the procedure being used and the level of discoloration that has set in with your teeth.

What are the Risks of Professional Teeth Whitening?

The risks of professional tooth whitening are low, but they do exist. For example, some people may experience some sensitivity to the bleach or mild irritation in their mouth after treatment, such as increased salivation and an unpleasant taste. This often goes away relatively quickly after treatment stops and can be treated with toothpaste or gels made for sensitive teeth.

Additionally, some individuals who have gum disease can actually see a worsening of the gum pain associated with their condition due to the bleaching process. If this occurs, it’s essential to stop treatment if there are any symptoms of discomfort or pain so that your dentist can address those issues first before going ahead with treatments where teeth will be exposed again.

It’s also important to remember that only your natural teeth will respond to teeth whitening. If you have crowns or veneers, they will not react to the whitening solutions used, so you and your cosmetic dentist will want to take that into account when planning your treatment.

How to Get Whiter Teeth in Fort Worth, Texas

If you’re curious about teeth whitening, the first step is to get in touch with a cosmetic dentist, like those at Smile Fort Worth. Then, you can schedule an initial cosmetic consultation to find out whether or not you are a good candidate for this service.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about our professional whitening services, give us a call at 817-732-6622.